Summer SLAM

Bilal's 8th Grade Prime Performers: Summer Slam I & II

By Bilal BenjaminJul 28, 2025

The transition from 8th to 9th grade is a huge leap. These young players are ready for whatever high school has to offer.

Junub Duor | Atlanta Swish | 2029
Duor had an amazing weekend of hoops from Summer Slam I, to Jr. EYBL to Summer Slam II. Duor makes tough finishes look easy and brings a winning dynamic to any team he's on. He's a low risk, high reward guy. Doesn't need the ball, but can be impactful with it. Not to mention his defense is superb.

Symeon Watson | Atlanta Swish | 2029
I've said so much about Watson this season and it's all deserving. Watson has taken one of the biggest leaps on the Next Gen Circuit. His transition from potential to being "here" is evident. Most freshman seasons aren't big but for Watson I believe it's a huge year for him. He will be in more conversations before the next travel season begins.

Terry Coleman III | Atlanta Swish | 2029
With the confidence to handle the rock, Coleman III knew he could get where he wanted to get and whatever he wanted. Off the bounce he's one of the toughest to contain in 2029. His first step typically leaves defenders in the dust. One of Coleman III's best qualities is his leadership skills. As a point guard it's needed.

Eli Hayes | Young Buckets | 2029
Hayes is a brick wall. He has a nice soft touch around the rim and from the perimeter. He's a big that can roll or pop depending on what the defense is giving them. Hayes is the type of bruiser that's easy to coach and manage.

Drake Nix | Young Buckets | 2029
Nix had no problem keeping the ball in front of him and did a good job at recovering for blocked shots which he did so well. His timing on shots blocked was very impressive. His command on defense charged him up be dominant in the paint on offense.

Trace Adcock | Young Buckets | 2029
Adcock had an amazing summer. He understands this is the season to improve the most. The poise his plays with keeps his teams balanced and always the game to just flow. A sniper with vision; best of luck game planning for him over the next 4 years.

Devaughn Bogany | Young Buckets | 2029
Bogany is a lead guard that had no problem distributing the ball to his teammates. Using his eyes often to open up passing windows, Bogany showed there was no type of pass he couldn't make. Feeding his slashers, bigs and spot up shooters. Bogany only picked his dribble up when he knew he had an immediate pass and never put himself into sticky situations. Bogany also knocked down the three ball at an efficient rate.

Jalys Sokoba | Team Skywalker (France) | 2029
Product out of France is up next! Team Skywalker is developing their players in a skillful manner. Jalys Sokoba Is a 2029 big to put on your trending boards. He runs goal to goal and plays for his team on both ends of the floor. Expect to see more and more of Sokoba.

Damon Moody | Everything Earned | 2029
Moody is a big that keeps it simple. He is certainly a name to know in 2029. He has a soft touch around the rim and on his short jumpers. Moody is also a physical hard nose defender.

Jacob Reid | SPE | 2029
Athletic forward that always found a way around the rim. Often looking to rock the rim, Reid knew how to attack the gaps off of quick swings, getting out in transition and looking to punish defenders. Reid also had no problem taking and making the mid-range jumper when it was open.

Erik Harrington | SPE | 2029
Harrington earned an Elite60 invite for his stellar play. In multiple games he was easily the best player on the floor. Harrington display some elite shot making off the bounce. He is pure in iso situations.

Kamani Hollis | SPE | 2029
Hollis showed what it's like to control the tempo of a game. Knowing when to shift gears was one of his strongest suits. Rocking defenders to sleep before creating paint touch after paint touch, Hollis fed his teammates the ball in comfortable positions for success and showed how smooth of a finisher in traffic he is with his acrobatic ways.

Romeo Kemp | Double Trouble | 2029
Kemp is a player who never seems to be in a rush, allowing the game to come to him. Do not mistake this for a lack of aggression, as he is merely patient, waiting for the optimal moment to strike. He can score in a multitude of ways, whether it be driving to the basket, stopping and popping, or stepping out and hitting a three ball.